It might have taken a while but there is a sense of closure at West Bromwich Albion.

It arrived last Friday evening, at about 8pm – the news that Jonas Olsson had signed a new four-year deal with the club.

Months of speculation, long periods of rhetoric and comment over whether he’d stay or not.

It no longer matters.

Since arriving in 2008, the Baggies have changed beyond all recognition.

A side which laboured and was relegated under Tony Mowbray seems light years away from the team which is now sixth in the Premier League table and has averaged two points per game.

Olsson claims Albion’s evolution and progress during those four years was key to his decision to stick with the club.

“I see this as an established Premier League team and when you perform well, you raise your bar. The fans, players, club raise the bar,” said the Swede.

“Our squad is by far the best one we’ve had in my four years here at least.

“We finished 10th last year and you always want to push on to more and better.

“You always want to perform better, and I see that as a realistic target, but it is important not to look too far ahead, set targets along the way, first focusing on the 40-point mark.”

Olsson turns 30 next March so appreciates this contract was effectively the most important he would sign of his career.

The speculation and constant innuendo can be unsettling.

And while Olsson never showed any signs of being unsettled, he is pleased to finally be able to focus on playing – no longer will he be answering questions over his future.

“That is why it was such a big decision,” he added.

“This is definitely my key contract and I’m very happy it is finalised.

“Becoming a dad this summer was a key factor, especially with the security of a four-year contract.

“If it was just myself to think of, then you are maybe more willing to take chances. And if I hadn’t seen the club going in the right direction, I wouldn’t have signed.

“The key factor is I really like it here, we are happy here as a family.

“The financial reward is also a factor.

“Anyone who says otherwise is not talking the truth. I feel very much for the club, I love playing here, but you are abroad to make a good career, to play against the best players, to set you up for the future, because it is a short career. I can’t deny that was a factor as well.

“I like England, the people are nice, we’ve been here four years, we have a social life here and are really settled now.”